Nana Akosua Akyaamaa III, the Queen of Juaben ( Dwaben ), known in Twi as
Dwabenhemaa, exchanging greetings with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
at a Kumasi durbar.

The Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, riding in a palanquin. Nana, is on his

way to the main durbar grounds at Akropong, known as Mpeniase ( Hope I'm right ).

Seated also in his palanquin, immediately infront of him, is a child soul-washer, known as

the Okuapehene's Okra or soul-representative. This may be a borrowed Akwamu tradition.

Due credit to the Photographer.

The Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, sitting regally in a palanquin at Akropong, the capital of Akuapem.

Credit to the Photographer, whoever it may be.

Nananom Ahemaa of Juaben and Asante.

Disregard this....technology gone haywire.

The Queen of Asante, the Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II. This picture of Nana, was taken not too long after she was enstooled. I wonder how many, so-called modern women of today, can retain their beauty, well into their late 60s? Nana was in her late 60s in this picture. Perhaps we all ought to take a cue and return to native diets and ways. Nana Hemaa, is now well into her late 90s, and still in good health. As the saying goes, ' s3 okusie se ob3 dane ahwea a, ne dua poma no '. To wit, if the rat says it wants to turn into an ahwea ( a type of rat like creature) but without a tail, it's tail, gives it away. My fellow women and even men these days, bleaching or toning as some say, renders the black skin weak, aged, and wrinkled.

Nana Juaben Serwaa II, Osekyerehene, sitting for a portrait. Nana typifies, the beauty, elegance, intelligence, courage and attractiveness of the royal stock of Juaben. One then,

can understand why Osei Kwame ( Nana ), was so beguiled and entranced by the beauty of

Agyeiwaa Badu ( a royal of Dwaben ) that he even neglected to carry out his duties as the

monarch, and instead chose to stay at Dwaben for a considerable time.

Nana, was about 50 years of age in this picture, and even now, aged 98, is wrinkle less and still a

beauty.

Nana Dwaben Serwaa II, with some palace attendants at a sitting. Nana appears here in partial regalia. Nana, was noted r the prominence role she played in Asanteman and Ghana during the era of Ghana's first government. Being well-versed in the customs, traditions and practices of Akan governance, Nana proved equal to the challenge of ruling on such a major stool, as that of Juaben. She ruled in a dual capacity as King and Queen of Juaben.

Nana Dwaben Serwaa II, Dwabenhene, seated on a Hwedomtea Chair in 1959. Culled from Osei Kwadwo's book.

Nana Otuo Acheampong Of Kumawu

The Ruler of the Kumawu State ( now deceased ) wearing the ' akotadie ' ( battle dress of his
predecessors ). Kumawu is one of the states of Asante, known for their bravery and
fortitude. Nana was the predecessor of the recently deceased Kumawuhene, Barima
Asumadu Sakyi II. With the advent of Politics in Ghana, Nana became, quite controversial.
Nonetheless, according to many Kumawus, he was one of their most successful rulers of the
last century.

Photo: Courtesy of the Basel Mission Archive.

KUMAWU STATE....1

The Ruler of Kumawu ( 1973-2007 ) Barima Asumadu Sakyi II, borne in a palanquin.

On both sides of the palanquin, rests, the numerous swords of state of Kumawu

The Queen of Kumawu, Nana Serwaa Amponsah II.

Nana Kumawuhene ( Barima Asumadu Sakyi II ) and Kumawuhemaa ( Nana Serwaa
Amponsah II ) sitting in state at a Kumasi durbar.

OTUMFUO OSEI AGYEMAN PREMPEH II / QUEENS.

Do disregard the above image ( technology has gone haywire ). Or perhaps, the laptop has
had enough for today. Anyway, we will continue with the pictorial depictions, as and when
providence makes provision.

Nana Akosua Akyaamaa III, current Queen of Juaben ( Dwaben, in Kente) on the right and Nana Juaben Serwaa of New Juaben ( now deceased, in white ), sitting in state during a durbar. Behind them, in blue Kente, is the Adwamponhemaa of New Juaben. ( Also a branch of the royal family ).

The current Queen of Asante, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II borne in a female palanquin ( Seko or Sako ) during the celebration Otumfuo Opoku Ware II's silver jubilee in 1995. Nana is seen here, shielded by her fan bearers and surrounded by other members of her court.

Otumfuo Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, King of Asante,1931- 1970 .This picture was taken not too long after the enstoolment of Nana. Daasebre is seen here in partial regalia, with the Sebekesee or adaboo' ( triangular gold chestplate ), and wearing a headband with triangular amulets, which depicts that in a matrilineal society such as Asante, Nana rules on behalf of the Queen of Asante. Nana is seated on the Nyansapo ( Wisdom knot ) stool, a stool of his own design, indicating his intent to rule Asante with tact and wisdom. This, he lived up to. In the background is the Kodeedwa ( a chair with gold symbols of an eagle ) which is retained as a back support in this picture.Seen on Nana's right handside is the dwete kuduo, which functions as a kind of personal purse, traditionally.

PRAISE POEMS, HORN TUNES AND KWADWOM FROM JUABEN ( DWABEN )

Dwaben Adu Ampoforo Antwi Konkorihene, Okyerefo> Otuo Serebour II, Daasebre, Okotwa-- asuo ....Oyoko Sakyia Ampoma Nana Yokoni, Odehyee' Kronkron ( True Royal ), Osansa fa ade

a ofa ne bum na ode kyere. Aberewa Ampem Ohye Adwira Nana Asumegyani Nana....is proceeding

gingerly in state to take his seat at the Adaekesee ceremony in 1995 in Kumasi.

A Piece entitled ( Osekyere Akuamoa ), played on the Ntahara Horns of Dwaben. The Asokwa

fekuo ( group ) of Juaben is responsible for the Ntahara and Amoakwa horns of Juaben. It's

played as follows:

Oboadum e,

Momma mo homene so akurontoo!

Akyaw Owusu Akyaw Berempon se

Momma mo homene so akurantoo!

Agyekum-hene Berempon

Ma wo homene so e!

Opon Kyekyeku!

Ma wo homene so e

Korobea Asante Kotoko,

Ma wo homene so e!

Wofiri Dwaben Adu-Ampoforo-Antwi

Wofiri Asante Kotoko

Asante Kotokohene

Oko-kyere-ahene

Momma mo homene so O!

Momma so

Tie

Osekyere Akuamoa e

yeregye wo oo

wo oo

yeregye wo oo

Asante Kotokohene

yeregye wo oo

Osekyerehene

yeregye wo oo...

Adu Ampoforoantwi is a title accorded Dwaben, likewise Kumasi and Kokofu. Osekyere Akuamoa is a reference to the Dwabenhene Akuamoa Boaten, Sekyere in the north-eastern district of Asante where the states of Dwaben, Effiduase ( Afigyase ), Asokore, Nsuta, Kumawu, Mampong are situated and is indicative of the claim of the Dwaben people that Dwabenhene is the most powerful King in that area and hence his title Sekyerehene. The final interesting thing about this particular verse is that it is the one verse in Ntahara which is unique to the Dwabenhene and that whenever any Asante hears it, then he knows that the Dwabenhene is passing. It may be regarded therefore as the signature -tune of the Dwabenhene .....Credit...Professor Adu Boahen

Another signature tune, also blown on the ntahara horns is Dwaben Adu Ampoforo Antwi, Atwetwebo>, a, ehini atuo muu.

Nana Juabenhene, sitting in state in Kumasi, during the Adae kesee durbar in 1991.

Some Kwadwom pieces, as chanted by the Kwadwom minstrels of Juaben ( Dwaben ).

1) Kotokohene tra ase

Krobeahene ee tra ase oo

Merema wo Krobea Yefiri Anwoma Kotoko ee

Asante atwa me tete

Twum Akyampon no fro goo ee ( nofong ee )

Asante asiesie bo oo some ntoo ee.

2) Mema Dwaben do Adaakwa Yiadom ee

Yiadom nana, yede Akoboo gye no taataa

Twum Akyampon Nogrogon ee

Odwaben see Na(na) Agyekum ee

Agyaako Yeboa obanim keno a edwom fre no

Osagyefo Firampon dammirifa awisi.

With gratitude to Professor Adu Boahen

Okyerefo> Otuo Serebour II, Dwabenhene and Oyokohene ( I.e Head of the Oyoko Royal

Clan Section of Asante or the Oyokoduo ) . Nana, is also traditionally, the Oyokopiesie

( first-born ) of the Oyoko Clan.

An Apayee Piece, Recited Before The Juabenhene ( Dwabenhene ), by the abrafoo

( executioners ) of Juaben ( Dwaben ) :

Onono Dwaben Boaten Nono

Osesedudo

Adwoa nua koran

Okoforobuo

Wona woyee sa foroo Kwasampere bepo ( Kwasampere mountain )

Wokotwaa Nyempene nsue

Adinkera Kwadwo se oda wo ase

Ose odawase dawase ne nonifikatruo daa daa daa daa

Dwaben Akrase ei, opanko

Opanko a oko ayere mu

Odedekuntuni ko a na yefere wo o

Woyee saa yee saa kyeree Basa Subiri

Faa Krakye Dente Opeaw!.........................Credit....Professor Adu Boahen

OTUMFUO OSEI TUTU II.....Kwadwom piece from Kumasi.

The Occupant of the Golden Stool and 16th King of Asante, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Opemso>, seated on one of his personal gold plated stools.

This extract is from the Nwentene ( long ) version of the Kwadwom chant. This was performed at the funeral of the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. It begins with a general praise appellations ( in honour of any Asante King ), and continues with tracing the King's ancestry and making references, first to the preceding King Nana Osei Tutu Agyeman Prempeh II, then to the deceased King himself. ( Obviously, this chant is by the Kwadwom minstrels of Nana Asantehene ).

Osagyefo gye adwa gu ase Okuduo Asante Na Adu tena ase aayi

Kotokohene tena ase, Krobeahene tena ase aayi

Merema wo Krobea Yirefi Anwoma ene Kotoko aayi

Asante atwa ntire agu oo Twum Akyampon nofong aayi

Asante asiesie bo o suman-titi aayi

Krobea Asante Na Adu ee tena ase aayi

Osei Tutu merema wo due ne awisi o

Hwan na obenya se Edweso Owusu Panin ne Akua Bakoma Sikapo ba ne wo

Obi nyaa saa bi a anka obeyebi

Maanu Atie Dufie ba Dammirifa nyane aayi

Kyerewa Nintofie mmo gyee

Osodofo dade eduru Twum oo Akyampon nofonn aayi

osi ani kurowi oo suman-titi aayi

Agyaako Agyare na adee asee do aayi

Akusie bi ekum boro Twum Akyampon nofonn aayi

Agyakwa a ofiri see Firampon dammirifa Awisi

Opoku Ware me mmo wo din nwe awisi oo

Hwan na obe nya se Gyaakye Opoku Panin ne Akyaa Ayikwan ba ne wo

Obi nyaa saa bi a anka obe ye bi

Mema wo Dwabendo Adaakwa Yiadom aayi

Yiadom Nana a ye de akoboo gye wo taataa oo Twum oo Akyampon nofonn aayi

onto sika pina tweasaaman Na Adu Agyaako hene aayi

Agyaako Yeboa Abankoro edwom fre wo o

Osagyefoo ee Firampon, dammirifa oo.

English Translation:

Osagyefuo, a seat for you, descendant of Okuduo Asante, sit down,

King of Kotoko, sit down, King of Korobea sit down.

I am handing over to you Korobea Yirefi Anwoma Kotoko

Asante, noted for deeds of bravery, Twum Akyampong Nofong

Asante is ready for your arrival, O powerful spirit.

Sit down Adu descendant of Krobea Asante.

Osei Tutu, permit me to call you thus

Who would not like to be the child of Owusu Panin of Edweso and Akua Bakoma renowned for the gold nugget?

Anyone who had it would like it

Child of Atie Dufie, Dammirifa, that keeps vigil, wake up

At Kyerewa Ninto's house, jaws do not rest

Love that climbs over iron, o, Twum Akyampon Nofong

When he steps, his feet fall gently and noiselessly, o, powerful spirit

Agyaako Agyare, something has gone amiss yonder

Rats that kill by poisonous means, Twum Akyampon Nofong

Agyaako of Osei Firampon's lineage, condolences.

Opoku Ware, permit me to call you thus

Who would not like to be the child of Opoku Panin of Gyaakye and Akyaa Ayikwan

Anyone who had it would like it

I hand over to you, Adaakwa Yiadom of Juaben ( Dwaben )

Yiadom, conqueror, hailed in his majesty by bullets as he walks along Twum Akyampon Nofong

King Adu Agyaako, grandchild of Asaaman that deals in gold

Agyaako Yeboah, a man among men, called by the praise singers

Osagyefo Firampon, condolences.

Otumfuo Opoku Ware II ( Okatakyie ).

Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, Sitting In State, At a Durbar In Kumasi. Displayed, is the one the
gold plated stools, of which, he can make use of. The seat of the King rests on a broad piece
elephant skin known locally as Banwoma. This picture was taken, I believe, fairly early in
the King's reign.


The most recent King of Ashanti, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, ( Who Crossed The Great River In 1999 ), Occupant of the Osei ne Opoku Amoapong Of Asante sitting in state, early in his reign in Kumasi. Displayed on Nana's left, on it's own throne ( Hwedomtea ) is the venerable Asikadwa Kofi ( Golden Stool, born on Friday ). Seated on Nana's right, is the Mponponsuohene wearing a cap of eagle feathers. Other swordbearers are also seated in front of the King.

This picture shows the New Juabenhene, Daasebre Oti Boateng I and the Ohemaa of New Juaben, Nana Yaa Daani II, sitting in state at a durbar in Accra. The Kokosesefoo', ostrich tail bearers and some swordbearers, can be seen sitting in front of Nana.

Juaben 3

Juaben Pictures 2

Juaben Pictures

New Juaben, A Pictorial Rendition, 3

The Overlord of New Juaben, Obenfuo Oti Boateng I, Daasebre, sitting in state during the climax of the Akwantukese festivities in Koforidua. Daasebre, is seated on a special chair, crafted in commemoration of the festival.

The Ruler of New Juaben, Okoforobour Oti Boateng I, in a regal pose.

A citizen of New Juaben, making obeisance to the Yiadom and Hwedie Akonnwakesee' of New Juaben. Appearing on Daasebre's left, is the Queen of New Juaben, Nana Yaa Daani II. The Mponponsuohene, wearing a cap of eagle feathers, can be seen seated in front of the King, to his left.

WITH KWAME NKRUMAH.

Nana Juaben Serwaa II, alias, Nana Akosua Oheneafrewuo, ex-Juabenhene, in a rare picture with Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's 1st President. Nana, can be seen standing next to Madam Fathia Nkrumah. Nana, in those days, was a powerful female ruler of Juaben, and reigned as both the King and Queen of Juaben, from the late 1950's to the mid 1960's. Nana, later on enstooled her son, Nana Kwabena Boateng I, as Juabenhene, and assumed her former position as Queen of Juaben. Owing to the political exigencies of the time, Nana Kwabena Boateng, later abdicated.
This repository of traditional wisdom, well schooled in the culture, customs and traditions of Juaben and Asante at large, is fortunately still alive and thriving in Juaben. She is now, verging on almost a 100.





Nana Juaben Serwaa II, Ruler of Juaben, sitting in state, during a minor ceremonial.